In Islam, certain things have been prohibited for us, generally referred to as “Muharramat.” Conversely, some things are permissible, or “Halal.” The Quran and Sunnah clearly instruct us to consume what is Halal and wholesome, and they denounce what is Haram so that we may avoid it. The Quran mentions forbidden items in various places.

To determine what is Halal and what is Haram, we must refer to the Quran, Sunnah, consensus (Ijma), and analogy (Qiyas).

There are multiple types of Haram, such as Haram Lidhatihi and Haram Lighairihi.

1. Haram Lidhatihi: This is intrinsically Haram, meaning it is prohibited due to its inherent harm and corruption. These harms and corruptions are permanent and inseparable from it. Examples include adultery, theft, murder, alcohol consumption, and other matters that are intrinsically forbidden because their harmful effects are perpetual and never cease or diminish.
2. Haram Lighairihi: This is Haram due to an external factor. Originally, it may be permissible and beneficial, but it becomes Haram due to an additional element that renders it prohibited.

Let’s explore what makes something Haram.

The Holy Quran mentions various prohibitions at several places. I’ll translate a few of them for you:

1. Allah Almighty has stated: “He has made these things forbidden for you: carrion, blood, the flesh of swine, and whatever has been sacrificed to other than Allah. However, if someone is compelled by necessity, neither desiring it nor transgressing the limits, then there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 173)
2.  Say, indeed, my Lord has forbidden immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed – and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know. (Surah Al-A’raf, Verse 33)

In these two verses, the first one mentions some forbidden items among consumables, while the second verse elaborates on what actions are considered prohibited.

3.Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and [prohibited is] that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience.(Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 3)

Now, let’s turn our attention to a principle that guides us, distinguishing between what is forbidden and what is permissible.

4. The Lord says: “He permits for them what is good and prohibits them from what is bad.” Translation: He allows them what is pure and forbids them from what is impure. (Surah Al-A’raf, Verse 157)

The mentioned part of the Quranic verse clarifies what is pure (halal) and what is impure (haram). We are taught to consume what is lawful and refrain from what is forbidden.

5. Allah commands: “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” Translation: O people! Eat from what is lawful and good on the earth, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy. (Surah Al-A’raf, Verse 168)

Remember, in the Quran and Sunnah, the term “haram” doesn’t only signify prohibition; it also includes terms like negation, negation of permission, the ruling of avoidance, and others for indicating prohibitions.